Time is one of the scarcest resources in our society. An eye-opening recent study from the business sector reveals that we are, believe it or not, giving away three hours a day just like that. Calculated over the year, this results in a productivity loss of nearly a whole month! This happens because we lose our focus on what really matters due to frequent distractions and because we ponder decisions for too long. In everyday business life, this costs time, money, and nerves. In aviation, it can cost lives. After all, we can't just pull over to the side and convene a crisis meeting if, for example, an engine is on fire. Aircraft accidents occurred repeatedly in the 1970s because the pilots were paralyzed instead of taking action. Therefore, NASA developed a series of sophisticated strategies to help pilots stay focused in difficult situations and quickly find a solution together. One of these ten strategies from my book "Ready for Takeoff" is FORDEC. FORDEC: Sovereign in the (corporate) cockpit My tip: Make sure to complete this checklist in writing. This will give you a better overview.
- "F": Facts: What are the facts? Observe without bias or evaluation. Take your time and ask yourself: Do I really know all the facts? Only those who know their current position can find the way to the goal.
- "O": Options: Now consider: What possibilities do these facts open up? Do not limit yourself to obvious options; also consider unconventional solutions.
- "R": Risks and Benefits: Mentally play out each of the options: What are the risks of this path? What advantages and opportunities would this open up for me?
- "D": Decision: You now have all the information on the table. Be decisive and make a decision promptly. If you still struggle, ask a "co-pilot" for advice. Outsiders often see things more clearly.
- "E": Execution: It's time to take action immediately and implement the decision. Note down the specific steps to the goal. In aviation as in business, it's not the decisions we make that count, but only the result.
- "C": Check: Verify: Am I still on course or do I need to make corrections? At the same time, a captain must always keep an eye on what is happening around him, such as a sudden change in weather. New facts mean a new FORDEC.
